YELLOWKNIFE (June 29, 2012) – Seven NWT schools are receiving certificates and cash awards for producing videos that promoted healthy eating and healthy lifestyles:

IQALUIT, Nunavut (June 27, 2012) - Territorial Premiers met in Iqaluit for the 10^th Annual Northern Premiers’ Forum on June 26 and 27 to continue to implement their shared vision of a stronger North and a better Canada. 

Premiers noted that A Northern Vision: A Stronger North and a Better Canada, released in 2007, continues to guide their pan-territorial approach to ensuring a prosperous and sustainable North that will benefit northerners and all Canadians.

YELLOWKNIFE (June 26, 2012) – Jane Arychuk has been appointed Interim President of Aurora College while the College continues the competitive hiring process.

Jackson Lafferty, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, made the three-month appointment in consultation with the Aurora College Board of Governors. It is effective July 3, 2012.

“We are pleased to announce that Ms. Arychuk has accepted the position,” said Minister Lafferty.  “She brings a strong background and professional experience in education.”

YELLOWKNIFE (June 20, 2012) -- The GNWT has renewed its funding for the Tourism Product Diversification and Marketing Program to support tourism businesses in the NWT seeking to become more competitive in a demanding international market.

As the global demand for outdoor adventure vacations and experiences grows, this program administered by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) provides financial assistance to tourism operators for business planning, product and packaging development, and marketing.

YELLOWKNIFE (June 19, 2012) -- Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) Jackson Lafferty reaffirmed the Government of the Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) commitment to inclusive schooling and early childhood development today.

As part of the Legislative Assembly’s review and approval of the 2012-13 Main Estimates, the GNWT has agreed to reallocate $1 million to early childhood development.  This new investment in early childhood development is being funded through a reallocation from funds previously allocated to inclusive schooling.

INUVIK (June 19, 2012) – The mandate of the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Office in Hay River has been expanded.

Increases in resource development activity, particularly in the Sahtu region, have led the GNWT to expand responsibilities for the office and give it a new name to reflect the expanded mandate: the Mackenzie Valley Petroleum Planning Office (MVPPO). 

YELLOWKNIFE (June 18, 2012) – In partnership with the 30 members of the No Place for Poverty Coalition, the GNWT has formed an Antipoverty Steering Committee to lead in the development of a Northwest Territories antipoverty strategy.

YELLOWKNIFE (June 14, 2012) -- Sarah Wright Cardinal has resigned from the position of President of Aurora College, effective June 13, 2012.  Hired in August 2009, Ms. Wright Cardinal has decided to pursue studies towards a Doctoral degree.

“I would like to thank Ms. Wright Cardinal for her contribution to the College and wish her all the best as she continues her personal pursuit of higher education,” said Jackson Lafferty, Minister responsible for Aurora College.

YELLOWKNIFE (June 14, 2012) – The Aviation Career Development Program (ACDP) is now receiving applications for 15 $5,000 scholarships to support full-time training in an aviation-related career. The studies can be related to airline or airport operations or management, aircraft maintenance, and pilot training.

Eligible applicants will have resided in Northwest Territories and/or Nunavut consistently for a minimum of two years, and they must demonstrate they have been at least conditionally accepted in a full-time aviation-related program.

YELLOWKNIFE (June 12, 2012) – Tom Beaulieu, Minister of Health and Social Services, has released A Shared Path Towards Wellness. The document is the GNWT’s 2012-2015 action plan to improve mental health and reduce addictions.